Have you seen his writing ?" he asked of Mr.
Pappleworth.
"Yes; prime, isn't it ?" replied Mr.Pappleworth indifferently.
Mr.Jordan gave a little grunt, not unamiable.

Paul divined that his master's bark was worse than his bite.

Indeed, the little manufacturer, although he spoke bad English, was quite gentleman enough to leave his men alone and to take no notice of trifles.

But he knew he did not look like the boss and owner of the show, so he had to play his role of proprietor at first, to put things on a right footing.
"Let's see, WHAT'S your name ?" asked Mr.Pappleworth of the boy.
"Paul Morel." It is curious that children suffer so much at having to pronounce their own names.
"Paul Morel, is it?
All right, you Paul-Morel through them things there, and then--" Mr.Pappleworth subsided on to a stool, and began writing.

A girl came up from out of a door just behind, put some newly-pressed elastic web appliances on the counter, and returned.